Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek 7 Days / 6 Nights

Duration:

7 Days 6 Nights

Difficulty:

Expert

Altitude:

4500 masl

Tour Type:

Hiking

Max. people:

04 Min - 10 Max

Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek 7 Days / 6 Nights

$1200.00

$ 999.00

Price per person in group service

Deposit:$450.00

Pay with:

About this trip

Introduction

Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek 7 Days

This Choquequirao Archaeological Complex is very interesting and one of the most popular hikes in the Cusco area. This trail is located in the Salkantay Mountain range, at more than 3030m surrounded by the Apus of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, umasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. At the time of the Incas, it was linked and communicated with Machu Picchu by a complex network of roads.

The reasons are many: The fantastic nature with Valleys, Snow-capped Mountains and great variety of plants, birds and animals. Choquequiraw is considered “The last refuge of the Inca Empire”. Visitors can see a complex hydraulic system, probably for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. Its geographical location in reference to other complexes of the same period would tend to indicate that its function was that of an Inca enclave towards the valleys of the Apurimac River.

Choquequirao comes from the meaning chuqui which means “gold” and from the word k’iraw which means “cradle,” that is, “Cradle of gold”. It is known as the “Sacred Sister” of Machu Picchu, because it is so important for its architecture and design used in its construction.

Overview

Day 1: Cusco – Capulichayoc – Chiquiska – Rosalinda Beach.
Day 2: Rosalinda Beach – Marampata- Choquequirao.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc.
Day 4: Pinchiunuyoc- Rio Blanco – Maizal.
Day 5: Maizal – Yanama – Totora – Lucmubamba.
Day 6: Lucmubamba- Llactapata – Aguas Calientes.
Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Sites to visit

Capulichayoc, Chiquiska, Playa Rosalinda.
Marampata, Choquequirao.
Pinchiunuyoc.
Rio Blanco, Maizal.
Yanama, Totora, Lucmubamba.
Llactapata, Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu, Cusco.

Tour Details

Minimum trip duration: 5 days.
Maximum elevation 4,650m (15,260 ft.).
Start Point: Start/End Cusco.
Difficulty: Challenge.
Best season: Late spring/early fall.
Overnight stay: Camping.

Highlights

Learn about the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, Machu Picchu’s “Sister City”.
Visit the recently discovered ruins of Picha Unuyoc.
Descend to the Rio Blanco for a refreshing swim in the river.
Climb the Abra San Juan (4150m) with views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.
Finish the hike at Machu Picchu, and explore the ruins at sunrise.

Day 1

Cusco - Capulichayoc - Chiquiska - Rosalinda Beach

We pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am , afterwards, we will take our transportation to Capuliyoc. Our trip lasts 4 hours, from where we will be able to enjoy the first views of the villages, valleys and snow-capped peaks. Here the porters and horses will be waiting for us to help us in our excursion. Arriving at the Capuliyoc viewpoint, we will take advantage of the great view of the Apurimac Canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc (5571 masl). We will then descend from approx. 3 hours to the town of Chiquisca for lunch. We then continue hiking to the village of Playa Rosalinas (1900 masl), where we camp and have dinner. In the afternoon we will enjoy the tropical tranquility.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Lodging: Camping.
Climate: Warm and Sunny.
Distance: approx. 14 km
Hiking time: 5 hours.

Day 2

Rosalinda Beach - Marampata- Choquequirao

In the morning we will cross the river. From there we start our hike uphill until we reach Marampata, where we will have lunch. After lunch the hike will not be so steep when we are close to the valley that houses the Choquequirao Choquekiraw complex. We will camp near Choquequiraw and be able to explore the surrounding area.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Lodging: Camping.
Climate: Warm and cold at night.
Distance: approximately 13 km.
Hiking time: 7 hours.

Day 3

Choquequirao - Pinchiunuyoc

In the morning we will be able to complete the visit of this archaeological site and rest until lunch time. In the afternoon we will start hiking uphill to the Pinchiunuyoc where we will camp and spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Lodging: Campground, Pinchiunuyoc 2600masl.
Climate: Warm, Windy and Cold at Night.
Distance: Approximately 10 km.
Hiking time: 7 hours.

Day 4

Pinchiunuyoc- Rio Blanco - Maizal

After breakfast, in the morning we will walk downhill for 2 hours to the Blanco River (1990 masl) where we will rest for a few minutes. We then begin a long climb of approx. 4 hours to the village of Maizal. Here we have lunch and after a short rest we resume our hike until we reach the camp where we set up our tents to rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camp, Cornfield.
Climate: warm and humid.
Distance: Approximately 10 km.
Hiking time: 7 hours.

Day 5

Maizal - Yanama - Totora - Lucmubamba

We started hiking at 7:00 am for about 3 hours approx. along the edge of the jungle to the Victoria mine. Continuing our trip for 1 hour we will arrive at the Victoria pass (4130 masl). After the beautiful panoramic view, we continue along the Inca trail made of stone steps and continue downhill to the village of Yanama where we have lunch. We then take a collective bus to Lucmabamba village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Lodging: Campground, Totora 2900 masl.
Weather: Cold and Windy.
Distance: Approximately 12 km.
Hiking time: 9 hours.

Day 6

Lucmubamba- Llactapata - Aguas Calientes

We begin the hike along the ancient Inca trail for about 3 hours. We cross the Puncuyoc pass. We continue to the archaeological site of Llactapata located at 2700 masl. From there we enjoy the unique perspective of the Inka citadel of Machu Picchu. We begin our descent to the hydroelectric plant where we can rest and have lunch. Then we continue our way along the railroad line admiring the flora and fauna that surrounds Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes we will spend the night and enjoy the beautiful sunset of the town adorned with beautiful Inca statues.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Lodging: Hostel, Aguas Calientes.
Climate: Warm.
Distance: Approximately 18 km.
Hiking time: 8 hours.

Day 7

Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco

This day will be our visit to the Inca city of “Machu Picchu” option to walk for an hour and a half to Machu Picchu (2400m), or we can take the bus ($ 24 dollars up/down). Once in the archaeological park of Machu Picchu our guide will start the guided visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. At the end we will have a couple of hours to rest and take pictures and then return to the town of Aguas Calientes. Then take the train to Ollantaytambo where a car will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Services included for security:

Pre-departure briefing:
You will meet your hiking guide and group at our office for an orientation prior to your excursion. There we will provide you with the duffel bags that our horses will carry. Meeng will be at 5:00 pm the evening prior to the start of the trip.
Experienced guide
Official, English and Spanish speaking, professionally trained tour guide. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the enre route, including leading your group in ancient ancient ceremonies. He or she will keep you safe, healthy, and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy yourself without worries.
Private camping equipment
You will have spacious dining tents and kitchen where you can enjoy your meal without any problems. All our equipment such as tables, chairs, cooking equipment, etc., will be transported by our horses.
Portable travel toilet
A travel bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 6 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes the sleeping bag).
Medical or first aid kit: All Andino Tours Peru guides have received specialized training in first aid. We conduct mandatory sessions with our guides every year. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scratches, etc.), as well as oxygen.
Extras included in our service: We believe that attention to the small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You will receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service: We have phone service available 24 hours a day to facilitate communication with Salkantay.

Lodging services:

5 nights in tents; Every 2 people will share Eureka tents with capacity for 4 people.
Hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 6: The last night of Choquequirao Machu Picchu Trek 7 days, is spent in a hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast and luggage storage while visiting Machu Picchu.

Food services:

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners; the best dishes prepared by our chef, respecting Vegetarian, vegan diets or additional menus available;
Water on the route; We will provide you with boiled, filtered and refrigerated water during the route.
Wake up tea.
Tea time at sunset.
Daily refreshments on route.

Transportation services:

Day 1: Pick you up from your hotel in the morning in our private transport to Capuliyoc.
Day 7: Transportation from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Expedition or Voyague.
Consettur bus ticket up and down Machu Picchu.
Pack mules to carry the camping equipment and your luggage allowance (6 kg /15.4 lb).
Entrance ticket to Choquequirao Trek.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu archaeological site.

No Included

First breakfast.
Last Lunch and Dinner.
Sleeping bag.
Horses for riding.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Entrance.

Recommendations

Aguas Calientes is 1000 meters lower than Cusco, and the climate varies according to the time of year, especially during the rainy season (December – March). Since the climate is variable, it is recommended to carry.

Original passport (the same one used to book the trip).
Medium backpack of 30 or 40 liters.
Refillable water bottle or water canteen.
Comfortable hiking boots.
Lantern.
Sunglasses.
Shorts.
Warm clothing.
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Raincoat or waterproof poncho.
Waterproof gloves.
Leisure footwear for camping.
Quick drying towel.
Portable battery charger.
Personal hygiene items.

Participants	Travel Date	Price per person ($ USD)	Total ($ USD)	Reserve now

Description	Quantity People	Price per person ($ USD)	Total ($ USD)
Private Services (ppp)	2	1300.00	2,600.00
Private Services (ppp)	3	1200.00	3,600.00
Private Services (ppp)	4	999.00	3,996.00

Getting to Cusco

Cusco has an airport for local or national flights. In order to get to Cusco, all travelers must disembark in Lima and go through migration, even if their flight to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.

Which route should i take, by air or by land?

The best travel option to Cusco is by air. Currently, there are several airlines that provide the Lima-Cusco air transportation service, among which we can mention: LATAM, VIVA AIR, SKY AIRLINE, and STAR PERU. Of all of them, LATAM is the most recommended, due to the variety of schedules it handles.

The land travel option is also a good option, but you always have to look for the best options that offer adequate comfort for the trip. The trip by bus is 22 hours. If your trip is from Puno or Arequipa, you can take this option since the trip is usually cheaper and it is only about 12 hours of travel.

Cusco has the highest average elevation in the world

That is why people who travel at a lower level suffer from altitude sickness, “Soroche”. This is because at higher altitudes, less oxygen is contained than those who are at sea level, so the body works harder to get the oxygen it needs. That is why for long walks it is recommended to stay at least two days in Cusco.

Symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, sleep problems, loss of appetite, trouble breathing. Most of the time, the symptoms will be mild, but if they get worse, consult a doctor or contact our offices.

Coca tea is a recommended infusion for this disease, so within the accommodation it is always offered to counteract altitude sickness.

You must remember that you come to enjoy a trip through wonderful trails with people who will always be willing to help you, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

The weaters in Cusco.

One of the big questions is how the weather is in Cusco. It is easy to get this information on the internet, but you also have to take into account that each season and during these times the climates are changing. The dry season in Cusco is from April to October, but there will always be a sudden rain with lightning and thunder.

It is always advisable to have the appropriate rain gear, such as rain ponchos or waterproof jackets, waterproof gloves, and suitable shoes that do not slip in the rain.

First Aid.

Each member of the Andino Tours Peru staff has received first aid training from a specialist doctor. Every year we carry out this mandatory training, and on each of our excursions you will have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (Traveler’s Diarrhea, scrapes, cuts, etc.) and, in fact, oxygen should not be lacking.

Travel Insurance

To protect your trip, the purchase of travel insurance is recommended. Having insurance before the trip is highly recommended. I have agreements with companies that provide this service that will make your trip more pleasant and peaceful in Peru.

Envirimental Impact.

For all our excursions, we have biodegradable soap, and all our garbage is returned to Cusco. Our staff is trained to take care of the environment. We use environmentally friendly chemical portable toilets.

We launched a program where for each traveler who reserves with us, we donate 10 trees that will be delivered to the communities of Mikaypata, Ninamarca, Huatoqto, and others, committing them to caring for the environment.